Freelancing Success: How to Make Money

Freelancing offers lucrative opportunities for financial freedom, but success requires strategy and guidance. This concise guide will show you how to make money freelancing and find the right coach to accelerate your journey.

Discover Your Niche: Identify your skills and passions to excel in a specific freelancing niche. Whether writing, graphic design, programming, or marketing, focus on your strengths to attract clients.

Enhance Your Online Presence: Build a professional website or portfolio showcasing your expertise. Utilise social media and networking platforms to connect with potential clients and establish credibility.

Set Competitive Rates: Research market rates and adjust your pricing based on your skills and experience. Start with competitive rates to attract clients, and gradually increase as you gain more experience.

Diversify Your Client Base: Diversify your clientele to avoid relying on a single client. Use local networking to secure a steady flow of work from various sources.

Hone Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to successful freelancing. Clearly define project details, respond promptly to inquiries, and maintain professionalism in all interactions.

Invest in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and enhance your skills through online courses and workshops. Continuous improvement will expand your service offerings and increase your earning potential.

Provide Exceptional Service: Exceed client expectations by delivering high-quality work and exceptional service. Satisfied clients are more likely to refer you to others, helping you build a strong reputation.

To accelerate your freelancing journey:

1. Consider hiring a coach who can provide personalized guidance and support.

2. Look for coaches with expertise in your niche and a proven track record of helping freelancers succeed.

3. Check reviews and testimonials to ensure their credibility, and schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and expectations.

Freelancing offers immense opportunities for financial success, but it requires strategic planning and continuous growth. By following these steps and finding the right coach, you can maximize your earning potential and achieve your freelancing goals. Start your journey to success today!

Creative thinking and coaching, the perfect partners

As a creative person you have the skills to influence problem-solving and personal growth. By breaking free from conventional thinking, connecting diverse ideas, and embracing failure, creative thinking opens doors to new possibilities. 

Let's explore creative thinking and how it can impact our lives if explored in a coaching environment:

• Embracing Open-Mindedness: Creative thinking starts with questioning assumptions and being receptive to new ideas, fostering a mindset open to possibilities.

• Connecting Diverse Ideas: Drawing inspiration from various sources and disciplines allows for unique connections and innovative solutions.

• Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone: Viewing failure as an opportunity to learn and adapt fuels resilience and propels us forward in the creative process.

• Cultivating Curiosity and Playfulness: Approaching problems with curiosity and playfulness stimulates exploration and unlocks imaginative thinking.

• Nurturing an Environment of Creativity: Creating an environment rich in stimuli, engaging with diverse influences, and dedicating time for reflection foster creativity.

• Overcoming Mental Barriers: Breaking free from self-doubt, fear, and preconceived notions expands our creative capacity and opens new horizons.

• Collaboration and Feedback: Collaborating and seeking feedback from others enriches our ideas and fuels collective creativity.

Creative thinking is a human ability that can be nurtured. We can unleash our creative potential by embracing open-mindedness, connecting ideas, embracing failure, cultivating curiosity, nurturing the environment, overcoming mental barriers, and fostering collaboration. 

Let your imagination soar and harness the power of creative thinking in all aspects of your life.

My 20-Year Journey in the Creative World

My path into coaching

I never planned to get into coaching.

I had reached a point when I had to admit I was missing something - human connection. I had worked on my own for too long.

I was 15 years into my graphic design business, and a client contacted me to tell me why she had delayed her branding project. Her family had been to hell and back, and I was digesting some difficult information.

A month or so later, I met a coach at a workshop. I told him about what had happened. It wasn't the first time someone felt they could unload their mental load onto me; what did it mean? He immediately noticed that I was good at listening, which made people trust me, and asked: have you thought of coaching? No, I hadn't.

It makes sense I do a lot of active listening in my design career and love to see others succeed, so with his help, and after experiencing some brilliant coaching for myself, I embarked on a series of courses to retrain as a coach.

I decided to niche with creative people, particularly freelance creatives because it is what I know. I have worked in the creative industry since the late 80s.

I have since worked in many different settings, doing many different kinds of graphic design, so I have a lot of experience to underline my coaching skills.

Over the last few years, I have unpacked my working experience as a self-employed graphic designer and packaged it into a framework: VISION.

Would you like to find out more? Contact me

Are you struggling to have a consistent flow of creative work?

Are you a freelance creative?
Are you free for two hours in October?

If you answer yes to these questions, I'd love it if you could join me and nine others in my first group coaching session.

I know 121 coaching isn't always an option for some people, so I have taken a small part of my V.I.S.I.O.N. coaching programme and created a two-hour introduction to Network (N), which is critical to running a freelance creative business.

We will meet on two days on Zoom, 24th & 31st October, for an hour each day. You will need a cuppa, pen, pad, and an open mind.

Book here

Goal Setting in a Creative Business: Nurturing Success through Vision Strategy

Setting clear and meaningful goals is essential for any business, but it holds even more significance in the creative industry. In the realm of art, design, or any creative endeavor, goals serve as guiding stars, fueling inspiration, and driving innovation. In this short blog, we'll explore the importance of goal setting in a creative business and how it can shape the path to success.

Defining the Vision

Every creative business starts with a vision, a grand idea that encapsulates the essence of what you want to achieve. Your vision sets the tone for your business and serves as the foundation for goal setting. Clearly articulate your long-term aspirations, your unique artistic style, and the impact you want to make in your industry. This vision will inspire and align your team, as well as attract the right audience.

Setting SMART Goals

Once your vision is established, it's time to break it down into actionable and measurable goals. Use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. For example, rather than setting a vague goal like "increase sales," define a specific target, such as "increase online sales by 20% within six months." SMART goals provide clarity, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment when achieved.

Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals

In a creative business, it's important to strike a balance between short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals provide quick wins and keep the momentum going, while long-term goals keep you focused on the bigger picture. For instance, a short-term goal might be to launch a new collection within three months, while a long-term goal could be to establish collaborations with prominent industry influencers within a year. This balance ensures you are both proactive and forward-thinking.

Embracing Flexibility and Adaptability

Creativity thrives in an environment that embraces flexibility and adaptability. While setting goals, allow room for experimentation and adjustments along the way. Creative businesses are often subject to changing trends, client preferences, and evolving market demands. Be open to reevaluating your goals periodically and making necessary adaptations to stay relevant and responsive to the ever-changing landscape.

Celebrating Milestones and Learning from Challenges

As you progress towards your goals, celebrate each milestone along the way. Acknowledge the achievements of your team and take a moment to appreciate the progress made. Simultaneously, learn from the challenges and setbacks encountered. They provide valuable lessons, refine your strategies, and fuel growth. By embracing both successes and failures, you create a culture of continuous improvement within your creative business.

Goal setting in a creative business is an art form in itself. It requires a delicate balance between vision, strategy, and adaptability. When done right, it ignites inspiration, fuels creativity, and propels your business toward success. By defining a clear vision, setting SMART goals, finding the balance between short-term and long-term objectives, embracing flexibility, and learning from challenges, your creative business can thrive and leave a lasting impact on the industry you love.

Do you have the wrong coach?

Having the wrong coach is like having a gym membership and not turning up.

There is a lot of coachy-noise around at the mo. I don't know about you, but I find it exhausting.

Coaches for women, coaches for men, coaches for tribes, coaches for vibes, coaches for introverts, coaches for extroverts, the list goes on and on.

So, how do you find 'the one' for you?

The first step, meet them - a coach that only tries to sell a membership to you in the first meeting isn't listening.

The second step, take your time - don't be rushed into a program that is about to be full etc.

The third step, choose a coach - not having a coach won't fix what you need fixing. You will stay in the loop, going round and round.

I do an introductory chat, so you can check I am a real person, not an absolute nutcase, and if you can bear spending time with me for 6+ months (yes, to make a real change, it takes time and effort).

If you would like to spend more time with me, still not sure, you can book a meeting with me via the contact page.

There, now you know I won't be selling AT you.

Drop me a line if you want to start exploring how to work with a coach (not a trainer).

Embracing Growth: from Graphic Designer to Mindset Coach

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the change within my career. This evolution has taken me from being a well-established graphic designer to repositioning myself as a mindset coach.

Throughout my extensive experience as a graphic designer, I began to recognise the profound impact mindset has on creativity, success, and overall well-being. This realisation ignited a deep passion within me to explore the field of mindset coaching—a path that merges my design expertise with the power of personal development.

Over the years, I have dedicated myself to continuous learning, investing in training programs, and acquiring valuable tools and techniques. Through this journey, I have guided individuals in overcoming limiting beliefs, embracing change, and tapping into their strengths. Witnessing their transformative growth has been incredibly fulfilling.

As an established mindset coach, I have worked with a diverse range of clients, helping them navigate challenges, unlock their full potential, and achieve their goals.

Whether supporting individuals in their creative pursuits, assisting them through career transitions, or enhancing their overall mindset, it is a privilege to be part of their journey.

Are you looking to elevate your mindset, break through barriers, and unlock your potential? Book a coaching chat with me, Together, we can explore new possibilities, create meaningful change, and empower you to live a life of purpose and fulfilment.

#MindsetCoaching #PersonalDevelopment #Empowerment #GraphicDesignExpertise #UnlockPotential #TransformativeJourney

Interview with Fuzia

I was recently interviewed by Humans of Fuzia.

Read the full interview here

Designer and Coach: why both

I have always had a strong leaning toward creativity. We all do when we are kids; we play, which is natural creativity. Some of us cling to that and take it into our future.

I clung to it. If I was quietly drawing or playing Lego, I was being left alone. Being creative was a way of coping, protecting myself, and being unseen. 

I didn't realise this until relatively recently; it's funny we carry things all our lives and accept them without question. 

I grew up in a house where it was the sole aim to crush your spirit, to keep you in line - to believe what they believed, but because my parents had creative leanings, they liked that in me and left me to do those activities. My parents belonged to a religious group; they hoped I would join; the only way out was for me to be good at being creative and use it to get me out of there. Creativity saved my life. 

Everyone appreciates creativity; many long for it, and for those of us who work in a creative industry, we wildly protect it. Creativity is magic; it transcends and takes us to places either individually (in the process/flow) or collectively (in the results). 

So when we get to our dream jobs, we should be allowed to soar, but let's be realistic; we have briefs to fulfil - it is an 'industry'. We should be allowed to experiment, fail, and succeed, without judgement, as long as the brief is met and delivered. Unfortunately, not all people are people-people, and that is when criticism can become personal. 

If you work with creative people, think about how you deliver critiques. A well-delivered piece of feedback WILL spark an idea; poorly delivered feedback will chip a piece off someone's confidence, which could affect future performance.

Lack of confidence will gradually destroy a creative person, making it harder to reach creativity. Remove the creativity or access to it, well, it is like a slow death.

We are not delicate little flowers; we are humans who dive deep into our subconsciousness to deliver something creatively brilliant. The subconscious mind is very open and takes everything in, actual or otherwise, and believes it, and that is when doubt creeps in, and if doubt takes hold, it is harder to create. 

I am passionate about helping other creative people to maintain clarity of thought to clear the mud from their thinking, so they can dive deep and find the creative pearls. I had to fight for my opportunity to be creative, and along the way, I have worked with bosses who have not understood how creative people work and tried to crush me. I could not get out of those places quick enough.

To allow our creative people to flourish, we ensure that we keep them as staff and become a long-term family; families harmonise. We should be building creative families. 

If you need to talk to someone about how to overcome mental blocks that are causing issues at work, or if you have someone in your team that could do with some nurturing, then arrange a quick chat and let's see if we can work together. 

Is your imagination sabotaging you?

Being a commercial creative can sometimes feel like you are being split in half.

Going to work and using your creative talent, mainly if it is artistic, seems the easiest decision ever.

You are great at, let's say, drawing, and everyone tells you so. You go through the world knowing you are good at drawing from a very young age. You have an incredible imagination.

After art college, you are fired up; you will go out and smash work.

Then clients get involved (obviously), and the creativity sometimes has to be compromised.

We all know this, but it can be challenging for some to accept it, and then their beliefs as creative people can fight against their role at work; this, I might add, is entirely normal, and I think most people feel this.

The irony is that your brilliant imagination is inadvertently sabotaging you.

If part of you is fighting another part, then it becomes exhausting, and over time that is when we can get burnt out. It can result in mental and physical strain.

Sometimes we have to take time to put all the parts of ourselves back together again.

And that is where I can help you. If you or one of your team is feeling conflict, large or small, in your life, do drop me a line, I'm very easy to talk to drop me a line so that we can chat about how I can help.

Energy Crisis

The news is full of information about the 2022 energy crisis.

There are two kinds of energy crises: oil/electricity; and the people energy crisis.

Are you lacking energy?

I'm seeing this quite a lot at the moment. Projects are starting and stopping; an inability to focus; reactive rather than proactive; fear of moving forwards and committing to change.

We've had to endure a lot of change in the last couple of years, which is very draining of energy. All this change and micro-stresses are zapping energy usually used to straddle work and life, leaving some of us with no energy in reserve. Now we are shifting back to 'normal'; there is still a lot of change happening; this stress may not be immediately apparent but in microdoses, but it all counts!

I've heard quite a few people talk about how they are struggling creatively; there is nothing left for personal projects or hobbies. Reentry into the physical, rather than virtual, world of work is burning up that vital creative energy.

The good news is this is temporary.

It is important not to focus on that lack too much - because that takes energy! We have to accept it for a bit. We are fortunate it is winter; we can legitimately hibernate in the evenings and recuperate.

There are a few easy things we can do to help with that energy:

• Get up and out early for a walk - resist hitting the snooze, be ready to hit the early light - it is good for you and makes you feel brighter; supplement this with a daylight lamp on your desk in the day.

• Keep hydrated - easier said than done, but essential.

• Take lots of breaks from the screen - small breaks make all the difference.

• Get plenty of sleep - you know what is right for you.

• Read - so important, it doesn't have to be life-changing, complex, or worthy; start reading if you don't already.

If you are working as a creative or you employ creatives who may be experiencing burnout or have discovered something is getting in their way, drop me a line so that we can chat about how I can help.